Soaring temperatures didn't everyone from enjoying the lip-smacking barbecue, chilled drinks and other live entertainment at the 2016 Huber Heights Ribfest on Sunday, July 24. (TOM GILLIAM/CONTRIBUTED)

1. Live MusicTalented bands will be in the mix, playing some solid jams on both days.

Soaring temperatures didn't everyone from enjoying the lip-smacking barbecue, chilled drinks and other live entertainment at the 2016 Huber Heights Ribfest on Sunday, July 24. (TOM GILLIAM/CONTRIBUTED)

2. FoodWell, it goes without saying. You don’t want to miss the backyard grillers who’ve got all the ribs you can physically devour. Even if you don’t want ribs, they’ll have brisket, chicken and pulled pork as well as roasted corn. Don’t miss the Backyard Grillers competition on Saturday.

The event is presented by the new Skeleton Dust Records, co-owned by Luke Tandy, and Cincinnati’s Northside Record Fair. The Drunken Waffle food truck will be serving, and DJs include James Downing, Jack Davidson and Tim Dylan.

That’s more than 20 vendors from Dayton and throughout the Midwest who will be offering up more than just vinyl. Tapes, CDs, T-shirts, posters and more will be up for grabs as DJs spin music from various genres throughout the day. If you’re a hardcore collector, you can buy an early bird pass to get first dibs an hour ahead of the rest.

This got us thinking about Dayton’s own record store, Omega Music, located at 318 E. Fifth St., which offers deals on vinyl year round. Say you had $20 on you just burning a hole in your pocket? What could you get for that Andrew Jackson? Here’s what we found on a trip to the store.

﻿ELVIS PRESLEY

“The Wonder of You”/“Mama Liked the Roses”

$2.99

(Jim Ingram)

Jim Ingram

Written by Baker Knight and recorded by several, including Ray Peterson, Ronnie Hilton and the Platters, “The Wonder of You” had long been a hit by the time The King released a live version in 1970. Elvis’ was the highest-charted version, reaching #9 — as did the B-side “Mama Liked the Roses”.

This particular album is a bit misleading, based solely on the cover. Originally released as the iconic comic’s second stand-up album in 1967, it was re-released with an entirely different cover in 1972, following the smash success of his FM & AM album, which won a Grammy Award that same year.

Louis Jordan was once called “The King of the Jukebox” for the hits he churned out in the 1940s. Songs like “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby?”, “Caldonia Caldonia” and “Saturday Night Fish Fry” were considered early influences on rock ‘n’ roll’s pioneers. Though not as in demand by the time I Believe in Music was released in 1973, Jordan was still a name. However, it would be his final album, as he died just 15 months later.

WINGS

“Silly Love Songs”/“Cook of the House”

$3.99

(Jim Ingram)

Jim Ingram

It’s an admittedly sappy pick, but its melody is hard to shake. Paul McCartney told Billboard Magazine in 2001 he didn’t write “Silly Love Songs” as a way of thumbing his nose to critics who deemed him too soft, contrary to popular belief. He simply loved love songs. Tough to argue with a master about his methods. McCartney’s late wife, Linda, shared writing credits on the B-side.

Speaking of former Beatles, Billy Preston — who played on the Get Back sessions and was among several considered as a “Fifth Beatle” — thought his funky 1972 instrumental “Outa-Space” would be a hit. However, the suits at A&M Records made “I Wrote a Simple Song” the A-side. But enterprising DJs discovered the B-side anyway, making “Outa-Space” a huge hit, while its lead single skimmed the lower end of the Billboard Hot 100.

The total comes to $18.95 (before tax), leaving you with some excellent finds for a little bit of cash.

The 200-foot-long Chinese dragon (which, for some context, is longer than four school buses) has returned this year. New this year is a group of color-changing dinosaurs that are 3 stories high. Together, with an additional 35 sets of whole new lights, the lanterns illuminate the fairgrounds.

Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to the Expo Center with bigger and brighter lights this winter!(Allegra Czerwinski)

Allegra Czerwinski

Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to the Expo Center with bigger and brighter lights this winter!(Allegra Czerwinski)

Allegra Czerwinski

Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to the Expo Center with bigger and brighter lights this winter!(Allegra Czerwinski)

Allegra Czerwinski

Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to the Expo Center with bigger and brighter lights this winter!(Allegra Czerwinski)

Allegra Czerwinski

Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to the Expo Center with bigger and brighter lights this winter!(Allegra Czerwinski)

Allegra Czerwinski

Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to the Expo Center with bigger and brighter lights this winter!(Allegra Czerwinski)

Allegra Czerwinski

Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to the Expo Center with bigger and brighter lights this winter!(Allegra Czerwinski)

Allegra Czerwinski

Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to the Expo Center with bigger and brighter lights this winter!(Allegra Czerwinski)

Allegra Czerwinski

Believe us when we say to witness these incredible lantern displays in person is far more breathtaking.

The festival will light up the Natural Resources Park at the Ohio State Expo Center and Fairgrounds, located at 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus from Nov. 17, 2017 to Jan. 7, 2018.

It’s open nightly from 5:30-10:00 p.m with the ticket booth opening at 5 p.m. and closing at 9:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $10-15 per person, and will be available for purchase at the festival entrance, or online at ohiolanternfestival.com. There are also family 4-packs available for $40 and a special VIP package for $25 per person.

Since 1924, Macy's has helped thousands of families celebrate the holidays with its annual parade.

If you plan to travel to New York to see the spectacle for yourself this year or will be tuning in, here are five things to know about the parade:

Spider-Man at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York.(Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Where is the parade route and where can I view it?

The parade steps off at 9 a.m. sharp from 77th Street and Central Park West and travels south. Once the procession hits Columbus Circle, it turns east onto Central Park South and marches until turning south again onto 6th Avenue. The parade continues south until reaching 34th Street, where it turns west and ends at 7th Avenue. The last of the balloons and performers touch 7th Avenue around noon.

(Macy’s)

Macy’s

While there is no seating available for the public, anyone is welcome to bring blankets or chairs and find a spot along the parade route at no charge. Since these spots are first-come, first-serve, some families camp out several hours before the parade begins. Plan to arrive early to snag good seats.

Many regular parade-goers recommend avoiding Macy's official parade viewing area on 34th Street, since it's the most crowded. One balloon handler on Reddit suggested that Columbus Circle also might not be a good viewing area, since the winds are more unpredictable and the procession moves more quickly through that spot. He added that the first few blocks south of 77th Street tend to attract smaller crowds because that street is farther from the train stations.

What is included in the parade procession?

In addition to more than two dozen inflated balloons, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade features floats, clowns, performers and marching bands from across the country. The Peanuts gang appear on their float, Snoopy's Doghouse, alongside McDonald's Big Red Shoe, Mount Rushmore, Winter Wonderland by Delta Airlines and more, including Macy's many floats.

Macy's website also lists the participating clown troupes with themes like Breakfast Clowns, Arrsome Pirates and Viking Clowns. Marching bands in the procession include several high schools and colleges, the U.S. Air Force, New York Police Department, and, of course, Macy's Great American Marching Band.

In addition to the parade procession, the event features performances that are held in the official Macy's viewing area on 34th Street. Check the Macy's website for updates to the lineup and more information on these performances.

The Harrison High School Marching Band from Kennesaw performed Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016 in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.(Jim Galloway / AJC)

Jim Galloway / AJC

Is Macy's unveiling anything special this year?

Among Macy's novelty balloons is a special tribute that deserves recognition. As a nod to the 70th anniversary of "Miracle on 34th Street," Macy's is recreating "Harold the Baseball Player," a balloon that was featured in the classic black-and-white film set in New York.

Though the original balloon appeared in full color during the 1946 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, the recreation is black, white and gray as a throwback to the movie, which was shot on location and featured the parade.

Can I see the balloons outside of the parade?

All of the balloons are inflated on Wednesday, November 22, and the event is open to the public. Head to Central Park West between 77th Street and 81st Street, near the American Museum of Natural History.

The balloons are inflated between 3 and 10 p.m., but the bulk of them are done in the evening, so it's best to be late to this event.

What if I can't get to New York?

If you can't get to the Empire State for Thanksgiving, there are still plenty of ways to experience the parade in your pajamas. Watch the procession at 9 a.m. EST on NBC to see the balloons, floats and performers without fighting any crowds.

For a behind-the-scenes experience, Macy's has created a series of 360° videos that take the viewer on a tour of its parade studio. See the magic behind the Thanksgiving tradition and learn about how the balloons are made, from sketch to inflation.

Scenes from the Ohio Renaissance Festival, which features 14 stages of entertainment. CONTRIBUTED

1. FUN THEMED WEEKENDS

This 30-acre permanent village has been authentically and historically re-created in the flavor of 16th Century England and has special promotions each weekend.

9/2, 9/3 & 9/4 — Family & Friends Weekend

Adults are two for the price of one, plus all kids 12 and under get in free Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day.

9/9 & 9/10 — Time Travelers Weekend

Dress as your favorite character inspired by a movie, TV series, comic book, sci-fi or fantasy work. Costume contests for adults and kids.

9/16 & 9/17 — Pirates Weekend

Celebrate International Talk like a Pirate Day with a Pirate Stunt Show, Pirate Play Time and Talk like a Pirate contests (for adults and kids).

9/23 & 9/24 — Barbarian Invasion Weekend

Rowdy contests in true barbaric fashion await. Compete in the Test of Strength Contest or the Turkey Leg Eating Contest.

9/30 & 10/1 — Feast of Fools Weekend

Fools Olympics and King of Fools contests and more.

10/7 & 10/8 — Highland Weekend

Grab your kilts and join the village in celebrating Highland heritage as villagers host special events including a Haggis Eating Contest, Knobby Knees Contest, and a traditional Highland Games competition.

10/14 & 10/15 — Fantasy Weekend

The Witches of Willy Nilly and the fairies will enchant the village. Enter the Fantasy Costume Contest.

10/21 & 10/22 — Romance Weekend

Men in tights? Ladies in bloomers? Oh and you can renew your wedding vows in a free Mass Renewal of Vows Ceremony held at St. Peter’s Chapel.

10/28 & 10/29 — Tricks or Treats Weekend

Wear your costumes and bring the little ones for trick or treating around the village. Costume contests for adults and kids and pumpkin decorating for the kids.

Dirk and Guido, a.k.a. The Swordsmen, will instruct families on how to impale people like a proper gentleman at the 2017 Ohio Renaissance Festival, opening on Sept. 2. CONTRIBUTED(Contributing Writer)

Contributing Writer

2. ENTERTAINMENT

There is plenty to see on 14 stages offering plenty of entertainment. Don’t miss the hard-hitting action as the Knights of Valour joust three times each day. Comedy and swordplay mesh as The Swordsmen showcase sharp skills and sharp wit. The 65-foot Galleon features a Pirate Comedy Stunt Show twice each day. Strolling musicians include Dylan Robertson, Glass Harmonica, The Flying Dulcimer, Kyle Meadows, Captain John Stout while many a good pub song will be heard in the village pubs.

The festival also offers thrilling human-powered rides, games of skill, warhorse rides, camel rides, the Amazing Maze, and the Tower of London Dungeon of Doom.

The marketplace offers handmade wares including unique items created by world-class artisans. Witness demonstrations of time-honored crafts including glassblowing, blacksmithing, forging, leather tooling, weaving, boot making and more. New to the marketplace this year are original artist Art of Ed Beard Jr, pewter creations by Heekin Pewter and the beautiful floral garlands from The Royal Garland.

Big Turkey legs are only part of the great food found at the Ohio Renaissance Festival. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

4. FOOD

Festival favorites such as giant roasted turkey legs, steak-on-a-stake and bread bowl soups and stews can be found as well as delicious new items. The Chocolate Raven features handmade chocolates and fudge. Archibald Drake’s features an ages old Fish and Chips recipe. KJ’s Cajun Cuisine will have a menu from across the pond and down south. Wash it all down with a wide variety of beers, ales, wines, soft drinks, coffees and teas.

The festival offers daily special events for those 21 and over. The Naughty Bawdy Pub Show features songs and limericks you won’t hear on the streets in an hour-long show. New this year, test your memory and play Willy Nilly Trivia during the Pub Crawl.